Klarmedia TV Index: 2025 Presidential Election Coverage
Candidates’ Visibility in the First Week of the Electoral Campaign
Klarmedia presents the findings of a study monitoring and analyzing the visibility of presidential candidates on national television during the first week of the election campaign, from April 4 to 13, 2025.
The Klarmedia TV Index is based on content aired by national TV channels, with only those stations that broadcast a significant volume of candidate-related material included in the ranking. The study reflects the total volume of appearances, without considering the tone (positive, negative, or neutral).
Top Candidates by TV Visibility (April 4–13, 2025):
- Nicușor Dan – 1,723 mentions
- Victor Ponta – 1,348 mentions
- Elena Lasconi – 1,198 mentions
- Crin Antonescu – 1,023 mentions
- George Simion – 958 mentions
Candidates with the lowest visibility on television during the monitored period were Sebastian Constantin Popescu, Silviu Predoiu, and John Ion Banu.
Most Active TV Channels Covering the Campaign:
- Realitatea Plus
- Antena 3 CNN
- Romania TV
- B1 TV
- Digi24
Key Themes and Media Profiles of the Candidates:
Nicușor Dan, the most visible candidate on TV, is often portrayed as pro-European and anti-establishment. His media presence is linked to issues in Bucharest such as environmental concerns, vulnerable communities, park maintenance, and heating shortages. His key messages focus on administrative reform, transparency in public financing, and independence from traditional political power structures. Media coverage also touched upon alleged ties with influential business figures. In terms of foreign policy, he supports Romania’s firm alignment with the EU and NATO, rejecting sovereignist narratives.
Victor Ponta ranked second in visibility, with appearances concentrated on Realitatea Plus, Romania TV, Antena 3 CNN, and B1 TV. He promotes a pragmatic version of patriotism under the slogan “Romania First,” focusing on national interests and regional stability. His platform includes anti-corruption measures and judicial reform. Media also highlighted past controversies that continue to influence public perception.
Elena Lasconi came in third, with high visibility on Antena 3 CNN, Realitatea Plus, Romania TV, and Digi24. Her campaign is marked by internal disputes within USR and criticism of Nicușor Dan. She portrays herself as a determined candidate who refuses to withdraw, challenging opinion polls she views as manipulative.
Crin Antonescu, in fourth place, had the most mentions on Antena 3 CNN, Realitatea Plus, Romania TV, and B1 TV. His rhetoric emphasizes unity, justice reform, cooperation with Western allies, and the defense of state institutions. He promotes himself as a “citizen-president” focused on stability and reconciliation, while occasionally launching sharp attacks against political rivals.
George Simion, fifth in visibility, is known for his sovereignist and anti-system narrative. He emphasizes national independence, traditional values, and critiques of foreign influence. His campaign has been marked by internal party conflicts and media controversies. Simion promotes the repurchase of strategic national assets and questions Romania’s current role in the EU and NATO.
Lavinia Șandru was most visible on Antena 3 CNN. She presents herself as a people-centric candidate advocating for justice, food safety, and the elimination of special pensions.
Daniel Funeriu ranked seventh, with a technocratic and reformist profile. He focuses on education reform, integrity, and transparency. Key proposals include ending three-shift school schedules and introducing nutrition education. He also addresses the annulment of the December 2024 elections.
Cristian Terheș appeared mostly on Antena 3 CNN, Digi24, and TVR1. He is a sovereignist and conservative candidate promoting traditional values, transparency, and criticism of the annulled 2024 elections.
John Ion Banu Muscel, ninth in visibility, was mentioned primarily on Antena 3 CNN, Digi24, and TVR Info. His campaign centers on internal security, capital punishment, and the right to bear arms, emphasizing his Romanian-American background.
Silviu Predoiu focused his campaign on national security and intelligence transparency. With media mentions mostly on Antena 3 CNN, he presents himself as a professional alternative to the political establishment.
Sebastian Constantin Popescu received the least media coverage, with no standout appearances on any particular channel. His platform is centered around justice and anti-corruption.
Methodology: The analysis was conducted by Klarmedia, an advanced media monitoring and analysis platform developed by MSG Factory SRL. Combining automated monitoring with expert insight, Klarmedia uses advanced Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques to provide accurate, relevant, and in-depth interpretations of media content.
17.04.2025 / Editor, Andreea Dragan
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